JAMES WILSON PROVIDED Jose Mourinho with a timely reminder of his credentials with a goal-scoring display for a Manchester United XI last night.
The 20-year-old’s future at Old Trafford has been uncertain for some time but after being left out of United’s pre-season tour squad, he did his cause no harm with a fine strike against Salford.
Whether Wilson — who spent last season on loan at Brighton — is part of Mourinho’s plans for the new season remains to be seen but he is certainly fighting for his future.
After being demoted to United’s U21 squad for pre-season, the young striker demonstrated his undoubted pedigree with an energetic performance which saw him open the scoring against the Class of 92′s Salford side.
The England U21 international impressed during a 75 minute cameo against the non-league outfit and he’ll be hoping Warren Joyce reports back to Mourinho full of praise.
He was the standout performer during a routine 5-1 win for a youthful United side, with Tyler Blackett also featuring.
It’s likely Wilson will be sent out on loan again this campaign after scoring five Championship goals for Brighton last year.
Mourinho wasn’t in attendance on Tuesday night after he ordered his first team players to train straight after stepping off the plane from China.
The cancellation of Monday’s International Champions Cup clash with Manchester City due to an unsuitable pitch in Beijing meant Mourinho wanted to give his players a work-out, and he put them through their paces at 6.30am yesterday morning.
Afterwards, the Portuguese hailed the players for their commitment so soon after an 11-hour flight.
Mourinho told the club’s official website: “They are a great group of boys and the intensity of the session shows they are very professional in their outlook.”
United’s next pre-season friendly sees them travel to Gothenburg to face Galatasaray on Saturday before returning to Old Trafford for Wayne Rooney’s testimonial against his former club Everton on 3 August.
They then take on champions Leicester City at Wembley in the Community Shield on 7 August before opening their Premier League campaign at Bournemouth a week later.
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